This blog is dedicated to all the people of Selangor for voting in the new state government. Time to have your say now.

Monday, April 28, 2008

SS15 the latest dengue hotspot - The Star

April 28, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

THE SS15 area of Subang Jaya has become the latest hotspot for dengue over the past week after dengue cases reportedly decreased in SS14 and SS18.

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) confirmed that at Jalan SS15/5F, there had been four reported cases.

Recently, council officers took to the streets together with Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh during her weekly dengue operation to remind residents the importance of spending 10 minutes to check their compounds.

According to Yeoh, many of the houses along the street were being rented out to college students and she believes they many not feel as compelled to clean up the compounds.

“They may be too caught up with their studies and assignments or might not feel a sense of belonging.

“I’m hoping to approach the colleges to carry out dengue awareness talks or campaigns for the students,” Yeoh said.

While the drains were mostly dry, residents pointed out that drain junctions located at the end of a row of homes were trapping water.

Residents also showed Yeoh and the officers the bumpy field at Jalan SS15/5E, where they claimed the park’s uneven terrain caused water to stagnate.

“Children come to play at this park while adults jog here in the evenings. After a downpour, the water won’t drain away.

“Ground levelling works need to be done here,” the residents said.

The MPSJ officers present took note of the issue and said they would revert to Yeoh on the immediate actions taken to rectify the problem.

Meanwhile, the roof and gutter designs of the homes were also found wanting, as they are flat and could easily trap water.

Yeoh said she would continue meeting the people to spread the dengue message over the next few weeks and urge them to cooperate.

“We should never assume our homes are dengue free as lives are at risk,” she said.

The residents also took the opportunity to highlight several problems including the need for speed humps to prevent cars from speeding as they said several accidents had already occurred.

Related Blogs

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.